First off, you just identified one of the biggest problems.
Secondly, I think what you will see is more flying out of LAX to other California cities that aren't close to another airline's hub, or are inconvenient to drive to another hub, i.e. STS. Places like SBP, MTY, etc., that would introduce feed to the Alaska, Delta and American networks, and provide a small amount of business point-to-point flying.
You may also see some more intra-Cali flying from SJC and maybe SMF. I think routes like MFR-LAX, that are too long on a Q400 will dissapear and everyone will be fed through SEA, PDX, LAX, and possibly SJC. (I would love to see them put a base in ANC and use the Q400 up there, but the politics won't allow it.) That way all Q400 flights longer than about 1 1/2 hours will dissapear, unless there is absolutely no competition, where a premium price can be commanded.
After the fleet is all Q400, it will be rebranded as Alaska Express, or something, with a little eskimo on the tail. They will then contract out a 3rd party to fly Embrear 175/190s and paint them Alaska Express as well. These jets will have first class and the inflight ammenities will be the same as Alaska. Nothing in either the Horizon nor Alaska pilot contracts prevent them from doing this.
If the costs are then competitive with other regionals, they will bid to third parties for Q400 flying in other parts of the country and will not have to worry about the complaint of Horizon competing against itsself, as they did when doing the Frontier Jet Express flying.
I certainly hope I am wrong, but it seems as if managements statements about changes at Horizon/3rd party flying are showing up more frequently.
I think that about covers it.
You are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO correct. I hope it doesn't happen but a 3rd party WILL come in some time with 175/190's. Personally, If QX loses all the RJ's and picks up a ton of Q400's. I would trade growth for a jet any day. Honestly, the Alaska on the tail of the Q may look quite nice.
Secondly, I think what you will see is more flying out of LAX to other California cities that aren't close to another airline's hub, or are inconvenient to drive to another hub, i.e. STS. Places like SBP, MTY, etc., that would introduce feed to the Alaska, Delta and American networks, and provide a small amount of business point-to-point flying.
You may also see some more intra-Cali flying from SJC and maybe SMF. I think routes like MFR-LAX, that are too long on a Q400 will dissapear and everyone will be fed through SEA, PDX, LAX, and possibly SJC. (I would love to see them put a base in ANC and use the Q400 up there, but the politics won't allow it.) That way all Q400 flights longer than about 1 1/2 hours will dissapear, unless there is absolutely no competition, where a premium price can be commanded.
After the fleet is all Q400, it will be rebranded as Alaska Express, or something, with a little eskimo on the tail. They will then contract out a 3rd party to fly Embrear 175/190s and paint them Alaska Express as well. These jets will have first class and the inflight ammenities will be the same as Alaska. Nothing in either the Horizon nor Alaska pilot contracts prevent them from doing this.
If the costs are then competitive with other regionals, they will bid to third parties for Q400 flying in other parts of the country and will not have to worry about the complaint of Horizon competing against itsself, as they did when doing the Frontier Jet Express flying.
I certainly hope I am wrong, but it seems as if managements statements about changes at Horizon/3rd party flying are showing up more frequently.
I think that about covers it.
You are SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO correct. I hope it doesn't happen but a 3rd party WILL come in some time with 175/190's. Personally, If QX loses all the RJ's and picks up a ton of Q400's. I would trade growth for a jet any day. Honestly, the Alaska on the tail of the Q may look quite nice.
